Jon Lester threw seven innings, surrendering just one unearned run, in picking up the victory in Game 1.

The Providence Journal / Gretchen Ertl

ANAHEIM, Calif. - After hearing so much about the absence of Josh Beckett, the Red Sox' confidence in Jon Lester was rewarded in spades last night.

Lester replaced the injured Beckett as the Game 1 starter in the ALDS and did a great job, pitching seven innings and allowing one unearned run. After a slow start, the lefty finished strong and struck out seven Angels. Included were four of the last six outs he registered.

The Angels were impressed with Lester's stuff, especially a sharp fastball that complemented his always difficult breaking pitches that continually kept hitters off-balance. Lester left after 117 pitches and seven innings.

"He's having a terrific year," said Angels' manager Mike Scioscia. "He's got a great arm and certainly his velocity was up a bit from where we've seen him early in the year, and he was able to get the fastball on both sides of the plate."

Lester said he felt fortunate to escape trouble early in the game and once Jason Bay put the Sox ahead for good with a two-run home run in the sixth inning, he felt it was his job to close the door on the Angels.

``The momentum came back to our side, and to be able to get the offense back in our dugout and back up to the plate I think helped us," said Lester. "I think it's very important anytime you can come out and get a win in somebody's else's ballpark. I think it's a huge win for us and a confidence boost. I think we can go into Game 2 a little more relaxed and comfortable."

Daisuke Matsuzaka will pitch for the Red Sox in Game 2, and the team remains hopeful that Beckett will be able to throw in Game 3 on Sunday in Boston. But with a strong opening outing from Lester, the Sox certainly have plenty of flexibility going forward in this series.